What's coming in the future.

Jon B

I don't see that it's an "either / or" thing. If a local group wants to have a get-together with the local Nash or Studebaker club, fine. That will appeal to a certain segment of the chapter and public, and if it's properly pre-publicized (and accessible to the public) the combined size of the two groups may cause a 'blip' on the public's radar screen.



The local group can also activate its members to get their Hudsons out to the multi-make antique car shows, as a group. Too often there's just one Hudson -- or none at all -- at these shows, and as long as this condition continues, we can expect to remain out of the public's consciousness. Our local chapter is now involved in getting Hudson members to turn out to 4 large multi-make shows every year. In a couple cases, we build in some sort of chapter get-together into the cay's events. In one show, we have a pot-luck lunch together under the trees, and in another show, we convoy together to the show and all go out to a restaurant together during the afternoon. This makes the affair something more than simply encouraging folks to drive their Hudson to a show; it makes the affair a real chapter get-together. In a couple instances we have persuaded the show's host to give us a non-judged "Hudson" class so that we can park our cars together on the show field, regardless of their year of manufacture.



"Rallying the troops" to get their cars out into the public, is one of the most important functions that local Hudson club chapters can do, to the great benefit of the chapter, the National club, and (ultimately) all Hudson owners.

[Deleted User]

Good thoughts and well put as always, Jon.



Multi-make shows can certainly be problematic for Hudsons. You can just about bet that some Camaro, Chevelle, Mustang, '55-7 Bel-Air or Challenger will take the awards at those shows, so on that score why bother? I take our nice yellow 4dr '54 Hornet to multi-shows on rare occasions and just step away to observe crowd behavior. Based on my observations, the worst thing we can do is just drive a Hudson up to a spot and park it in line with the other cars. Many attendees do little more than glance at a Hudson.



Rather, I find two things make a huge difference in getting people to stop and look over the Hudson: 1) exciting and colorful visuals, including explanations about the car and the H-E-T marque, and; 2) perhaps even more useful, a large shade-port from Big Lots store over the car and a shade umbrella from Walmart over the write-up with several high stools for tired folks to perch on while they read and examine the car and materials. When it's sunny and hot, people congregate thankfully under what is often the only shade and seating available! They're cheap and quick and easy to install, too!



I've even toyed with the idea of providing water, but haven't done that yet.

hornet53

I've found, if you want people to stop and look at your car, all you have to do is open the hood and show off those two big red aircleaners. If that doesn't work I fire up the old police siren mounted under the hood. That usually works.

Unknown

LI WAS A YOUNGER GUY WHEN I JOINED THE H.E.T. CLUB AT AGE 35, THAT WAS 35 YEARS AGO. I RESPECTED THE OLDER GUYS IN THE CLUB AND THEIR STOCK HUDSONS. I HAVE HAD MOSTLY STOCK HUDSONS AND A FEW MODIFIEDS. HAVE TWO NOW, ONE FORD POWERED AND ONE CADDY POWERED.. I PREFER THE STOCKERS, HAVE WON DRAGRACES, ECONOMY RUNS, CAR SHOWS, EVEN PEBBLE BEACH WITH MY 41 WOODY WAGON. HALF OF MY 70 YEARS HAS BEEN THE HUDSON EXPERIENCE. AS MOST OF YOU KNOW I DONATED 25k TO THE HET CLUB TO POMOTE STTOCK RESTORATIONS AND A LARGE PERCENTAGE OF THOSE ELIGIBLE WERE FROM YOUNGER GUYS. HUDSONS FOREVER, WHICHEVER WAY YOU PREFER. GILL ALBRIGHT

[Deleted User]

To my knowledge, no one here disrespects older members either. It is generally acknowleged that the club needs to be proactive and gain members in good numbers. As Jon suggested, the So Cal club had a pre multi-make show rendevous and then caravaned to the show. This worked out well.

By the way, I had the pleasure to meet Walt Mordetti at the Western Regional. What a nice guy. He gave me some great tips about fixing my car. He has a great Hornet coupe that he drives everywhere. I bet that car is more reliable that a new Honda Civic (well almost). Now that I think of it, everyone was nice.